Scams are rampant nowadays. You may encounter scams online, through the phone, and even in public places. This urges us to take cautious steps when dealing with a variety of people, especially those which we do not fully know. If your job involves dealing with jewelry, then it’s your obligation to avoid scams such as fraudulent sales and counterfeit gems. Here are just a few ways to identify and determine the authenticity of jewelry:
1. Color and markings.
There is a big difference between gold and gold-plated. Of course, you want to go for the former; however, the latter may very much look like the real deal, so it’s not surprising that many would be fooled into buying a gold-plated item, not knowing that it isn’t what they’d hoped for. Authentic gold has the Karat indicated on them; it may seem small though, so you’d definitely need a magnifying glass. A different metal underneath may also indicate a gold-plate, so be sure to inspect the jewels closely.
2. The magnet test.
Simply put, real gold isn’t magnetic. So holding a strong magnet nearby would determine whether or not it’s authentic. If the item were to be pulled towards the magnet, then it’s fake, but if it remains in the same position, then you may very well have real gold in your hands. Take note, however, that this isn’t a foolproof method, as crooks have recently adjusted to using non-magnetic materials for counterfeit gold.
3. Sharpness and roundness.
Another method is made possible with the use of a magnifying glass. When it comes to diamonds, you have to look closely. If a diamond’s edges are sharp then it is real, and if it’s rounded, you can very much be certain that it’s fake. Of course, it is not to say that all diamonds are perfect, as they are a natural stone and there will always be imperfections on them. Regardless, they are still worth a fair amount of money.
4. It’s usually in the mountings.
Want to determine whether or not a diamond ring is authentic? Real diamonds are usually mounted on gold and platinum. Fake ones, however, are found on gold-plated materials and silver, thus, you have multiple things to inspect when using this method.
5. Using sandpaper.
Here’s one “rough” way to check a diamond’s authenticity, by using sandpaper. Diamonds are hard, real hard! Hence, rubbing them in sandpaper will determine if they are fake or not. Real ones do not get scratched or damaged, while the opposite may be said for fakes.
With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawnshop that would provide you with the most honest appraisal possible. Here at Cebuana Lhuillier, we offer only the most accurate appraisal for all of our customers. With us, you can be sure that what you’re getting in return for your pawned items would definitely be fair and square, so be sure to visit any of our 2,200 branches nationwide.
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